Attack on hotel housing Americans

Three rockets have been fired at a Baghdad hotel where US military and civilians stay, causing superficial damage but no casualties.

James Smith, spokesman for the US-run coalition, said the projectiles struck the Al-Rashid Hotel about 6.30am (1230 AEST).

The hotel used to be among the best in the Iraqi capital but was taken over by American forces when they captured the city in April, toppling the regime of Saddam Hussein.

The Al-Rashid is located in a heavily guarded complex which includes the Baghdad Convention Centre, where the US military maintains its press facility and other offices.

The neighbourhood was sealed off. Residents of a neighbourhood just west of the complex said the projectiles were fired from the middle of a street in the Salhiya district and the launchers were left behind.

US forces and security agents in civilian clothing sealed off the neighbourhood.

One resident who saw the launcher near his home said he heard the sound of three launches at about 6.30am (1230 AEST).